Electron-Coupled Transformer for High Voltage DC Fusion Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fusion power systems face limitations in achieving efficient energy extraction and sustaining controlled fusion reactions due to reliance on single energy extraction methods, hydrodynamic instability caused by non-uniform compression of fuel pellets, and the difficulty in transmitting high voltage DC energy for long distances.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a combination of Stimulated X-ray Emitters (SXE) with RF energy drivers and Electron Coupled Transformers to achieve simultaneous thermal and high voltage DC energy extraction, using an Apodizing filter to ensure highly uniform compression of fuel pellets and minimize Rayleigh-Taylor Instability, while utilizing high voltage DC to sustain fusion reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high voltage DC energy is extracted from fusion plasma, then energy extraction efficiency is improved (about 85%), but the energy becomes difficult to transmit and distribute over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the electrical parameters of the extracted energy by using a transformer to convert high voltage DC into alternating current (AC) at different voltage levels. This parameter transformation enables the energy to be transmitted and distributed efficiently over long distances while maintaining the high extraction efficiency advantage.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple laser beams are used to compress fuel pellet, then compression uniformity is improved, but system complexity increases (as many as 192 beams)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple laser beams into a single unified compression system that achieves uniform compression of the fuel pellet. By combining the functionality of multiple beams into one integrated system, the invention maintains compression uniformity while dramatically reducing system complexity.
3Device complexity
If non-uniform compression of fuel pellet occurs, then system simplicity is maintained, but hydrodynamic stability deteriorates (Rayleigh-Taylor Instability)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the compression parameters to achieve uniform density distribution throughout the fuel pellet. By precisely controlling compression parameters, the system maintains hydrodynamic stability and prevents Rayleigh-Taylor instability while keeping the compression system relatively simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances energy extraction efficiency, achieves high hydrodynamic stability, and allows for the use of high voltage DC as an energy source to sustain controlled fusion reactions, significantly improving the overall performance and efficiency of fusion power systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electron coupled transformer having a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode form a first winding and the third electrode and the fourth electrode form a second winding. The first winding and the second winding are coupled to each other through a virtual cathode formed by a beam of electrons
Implementation Method 2
The first winding and the second winding are coupled to each other through a virtual cathode formed by a beam of electrons
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An Electron-coupled transformer for generating a high voltage output pulse as an amplified version of an input pulse comprises a cylindrical triode electron tube with a central anode (64) along the main axis of the tube and a grid (66) and cathode (68) radially spaced from the anode (64). The anode (64) has a first end directly grounded and a second end insulated from a direct connection to ground. The cathode (68) and the grid (66) form a traveling wave electron gun that produces a radially symmetrical collapsing traveling wave (62) of ground potential in the Transverse Electromagnetic mode when the grid (66) is grounded through a phase matching network (134, 136). The radially symmetrical collapsing traveling wave (62) of ground potential causes a beam of electrons to flow from the cathode (68) to the anode (64) and causes a voltage output pulse to be produced on the second end of the anode (64), whose magnitude is an amplified version of said input pulse applied to the cathode (68).